maidenhead

[ meyd-n-hed ]

noun

1. the hymen.
2. maidenhood; virginity.

Maidenhead

¹

/ ˈmeɪdənˌhɛd /

noun

1. a town in S England, in Windsor and Maidenhead unitary authority, Berkshire, on the River Thames. Pop: 58 848 (2001)

maidenhead

²

/ ˈmeɪdənˌhɛd /

noun

1. a nontechnical word for the hymen
2. virginity; maidenhood

Word History and Origins

Origin of maidenhead¹

First recorded in 1200–50, maidenhead is from the Middle English word maidenhed. See maiden, -head

Word History and Origins

Origin of maidenhead¹

C13: from maiden + -hed, variant of -hood

Example Sentences

“It is nothing, for ’tis common enough that a girl gives her maidenhead to a man” said a worldly voice in my head.

From Literature

The other was a virgin, riding more than a pace, with a knight galloping after her, to have her maidenhead.

From Literature

Hold it like a Victorian lady holds on to her maidenhead.

From Literature

The night before the princess wed he tried to steal into her bed, insisting that if he could not have her hand, he would claim her maidenhead.

From Literature

But hey, I grew up in maidenhead, so what do I know?

From The Guardian